18 April – International Day for Monuments and Sites

The International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day) is held on 18 April each year.

The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”

Nelson Mandela

On 18 April 1982 it was suggested that a day be established to celebrate the diversity of heritage throughout the world. From this idea, the International Day for Monuments and Sites was born. The aim is to promote awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage of humanity, their vulnerability and the efforts required for their protection and conservation.

The 2018 theme for the ICOMOS International Day for Monuments and Sites is Heritage for Generations led by the ICOMOS Emerging Professionals Working Group.

Sharing stories and the transfer of knowledge between generations is a crucial step in cultural development, characterising the human experience since time immemorial.